Matchlock caliver

In 1599 the army of the Republic stipulated that its soldiers should use a specific model of matchlock musket. The muskets and calivers – a somewhat lighter type of musket – shown in civic guard paintings are often of the same type and calibre, although the finish is more luxurious. The more decorative and expensive a musket was, the more prestige its owner enjoyed. Civic guardsmen would undoubtedly have engaged in such rivalry.